Home energy upgrades from public utilities

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Home energy upgrades from public utilities, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 7 August 2025

Public utility-driven home energy enhancements encompass the addition of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies that are planned or implemented by public utility providers. These utilities assist homeowners in choosing, installing, and managing environmentally sustainable systems, while coordinating aspects such as energy consumption, financing options, and community energy distribution.

Existing initiatives

Numerous public utilities and governmental bodies have introduced or considered programs aimed at upgrading home energy systems.

Australia

By 2016, Australian utility companies started providing home battery upgrade options to capitalize on the expanding battery storage sector. Battery suppliers collaborated with utilities, which by 2018 aimed to strengthen relationships with homeowners to utilize residential battery storage for grid load management, thereby diminishing reliance on additional power generation facilities.

Ragged Island

Electricity on Ragged Island was initially generated using diesel fuel. Following the impact of Hurricane Irma, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) initiated a renewable energy microgrid project to improve disaster resilience and lower fuel expenses.

Implemented by Tugliq Energy and Salt Energy, this project involved the design, procurement, installation, and one year of operation of a solar-battery microgrid integrated with the existing diesel system. The microgrid features a solar capacity of 402 kWp.

This Ragged Island microgrid serves as a validated example for the swift deployment of similar renewable microgrids worldwide.

China

In 2016, China introduced a Standard for Energy Consumption of Residential Buildings, which provides guidance for developers and property owners. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, no other nation with a comparable building inventory had established an equivalent nationwide standard.

Antioquia

The public utility Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) contributes to Medellín’s sustainability goals by focusing on enhancing security, opportunity, environmental health, and healthcare access for low-income populations. Major initiatives include constructing library parks, creating urban green areas and plazas, and developing an accessible, efficient public transit network.

France

Électricité de France (EDF) prioritizes residential energy conservation programs by offering smart meters and enabling remote monitoring of energy usage through computers and smartphones. EDF’s services range from conducting home energy performance evaluations to advising on heating solutions such as smart radiators, heat pumps, and solar water heaters, as well as installing energy-efficient products like LED lighting and heating controllers.

India

A 2016 analysis by the Climate Policy Initiative identified obstacles faced by India’s national and state governments alongside public utilities in advancing rooftop solar adoption. Support mechanisms include financing assistance, net metering, and installation support coordinated among the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, state authorities, and electricity distribution firms.

United States

Multiple initiatives have been launched across the United States to encourage energy efficiency and clean energy use. In July 2020, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden unveiled a $2 trillion climate proposal featuring incentives for improving energy efficiency, electrifying appliances, and generating clean power onsite. The plan also included affordable retrofit packages for homes and revisions to building codes aimed at raising efficiency standards in new constructions.

To promote electric vehicle usage, numerous U.S. utilities provide rebates for installing home EV charging stations, incentivizing charging during off-peak hours.

Alaska

In 2018, Juneau investigated ways to decrease its dependence on heating oil by encouraging the adoption of heat pumps powered by hydroelectric energy. The local utility, Alaska Electric Light & Power, spearheaded initiatives to promote the installation of both air source and geothermal heat pump systems.

California

The California Public Utilities Commission has aided builders in designing new residences that generate as much energy as they consume. In 2018, California established a target for all new homes to achieve Zero Net Energy status beginning in 2020. The Energy Upgrade California initiative offered coordinated support for existing homeowners aiming to enhance energy efficiency.

Between January 2016 and March 2017, major utilities in California conserved enough electricity to power roughly 112,000 average US households and saved natural gas sufficient for about 53,000 homes.

In 2017, Pacific Gas and Electric streamlined the installation process for residential electric vehicle charging stations, including affordable, environmentally friendly electric rate options—highlighting utility backing for EV infrastructure improvements.

Anaheim Public Utilities provided rebates up to $3,000 for residential battery storage systems that store solar-generated electricity for use during non-sunny periods. By 2021, Anaheim’s solar programs for homes and businesses produced approximately 50 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough to supply around 4,700 typical US households throughout the year.

The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has supported California utilities in delivering homeowner programs. In 2020, CSE’s clients included Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Pacific Gas & Electric.

Colorado

Launched in northern Colorado in 2014, the Efficiency Works program was backed by Estes Park Light & Power, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, Loveland Water and Power, and Platte River Power Authority. By late 2017, Efficiency Works had achieved energy savings equal to the average consumption of 10,000 homes, with plans to expand these targets annually.

In 2018, the program provided home energy evaluations with advisers assigned to assist customers through upgrade processes and coordinate energy audits. Serving both residential and commercial sectors, it offered guidance on installation techniques, on-site solar power generation, and battery storage solutions. Fort Collins Utilities emphasized key elements contributing to the program’s success in 2017, such as strong customer interaction, contractor quality control, and impartial adviser coordination.

Xcel Energy, a leading utility across central states including Colorado, promoted energy efficiency improvements in appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems. In 2019, Xcel’s initiatives resulted in electricity savings enough to supply approximately 55,600 typical US homes and natural gas reductions equivalent to the requirements of about 10,600 homes.

Connecticut

Energize Connecticut collaborates with public utility providers to help homeowners lower their energy expenses and embrace renewable energy solutions. This program delivers services where energy specialists carry out upgrades that generate both immediate and sustained savings. Homeowners can initiate the process with a complimentary virtual pre-assessment conducted by a technician.

Supported by the Energy Efficiency Fund, Connecticut Green Bank, state authorities, and regional utility companies, Energize Connecticut achieved significant results in 2018. Its residential initiatives conserved 277,000 megawatt-hours of electricity—equivalent to the annual consumption of roughly 26,600 households—and reduced natural gas usage by 6.8 million CCF, enough to serve about 11,100 homes.

Florida

By March 2021, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) had facilitated group solar panel purchases for homeowners across 60 communities in Florida, enabling access to reputable installations at competitive rates. One of SUN’s largest projects in the state was the 2017 Alachua County Solar Co-op, which equipped 81 residences with solar panels.

Florida Public Utilities (FPU), a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities, provides complimentary home energy assessments performed by specialists who evaluate insulation, appliances, lighting, and overall energy consumption. They also support customers in securing rebates for high-efficiency upgrades that improve comfort and enhance property value. FPU supplies natural gas, propane, and electricity across multiple areas within Florida.

Michigan

Xcel Energy serves multiple communities located south of Lake Superior in Michigan, offering energy efficiency support that in 2019 resulted in electricity savings sufficient to power around 150 average American homes and natural gas savings adequate for approximately 96 homes. The company is a participant in Michigan’s Efficiency United program, delivering affordable energy-saving solutions and rebates to both residential and commercial clients.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, Xcel Energy’s efficiency efforts during 2019 conserved enough electricity to meet the needs of about 48,300 typical U.S. households and sufficient natural gas for nearly 9,530 homes. The utility provides customers with enhanced options for managing their energy consumption through programs that have been monitored since 1992.

Xcel’s initiatives in Minnesota—including the Home Energy Squad, One-Stop Efficiency Shop, and Partners in Energy—were honored with the 2019 Exemplary Program Award from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In 2018, Xcel became the first major multi-state utility in the U.S. to pledge achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Beyond Minnesota, Xcel also serves customers in Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.

Collaborating with Google, Xcel developed innovative tools for customers to better manage their energy use, incorporating integration with Google Assistant to provide personalized energy-saving recommendations.

In addition, Xcel has promoted home electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Minnesota by offering training sessions to dealerships so they can effectively advise buyers on home charging options. The company installs chargers calibrated to operate during off-peak electricity rate periods.

New Mexico

In 2019, Xcel Energy's customer support initiatives in eastern New Mexico resulted in electricity savings of 39.4 GWh, which is enough to meet the power needs of approximately 3,590 average American households.

North Dakota

During 2019, Xcel Energy facilitated residential energy audits in North Dakota, catering to electric and natural gas consumers in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The natural gas savings achieved through its residential and commercial programs could provide energy for roughly 276 typical US homes.

Oregon

The Energy Trust of Oregon, governed by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and funded via utility bill surcharges, delivered energy efficiency consulting, contracting support, financial incentives, and funding options to public utilities throughout Oregon. In 2018, its programs conserved enough electricity to power about 12,100 average US residences and saved natural gas sufficient for nearly 4,900 homes.

Portland General Electric (PGE), which supplied around one-third of Oregon’s electricity in 2017, introduced a smart grid pilot project in 2018 aimed at promoting clean energy adoption. This program helps reduce peak demand by enabling consumers to shift their energy consumption patterns, potentially eliminating the requirement for new fossil fuel power plants. Serving over 20,000 customers, the pilot enhances renewable energy integration and supports PGE’s goal of grid decarbonization.

South Dakota

In South Dakota during 2019, Xcel Energy's residential and commercial efficiency programs conserved enough electricity to power approximately 747 average US homes. The company encouraged energy-saving measures such as upgrading lighting systems and shifting electricity usage away from peak periods.

Texas

Throughout 2019, Xcel Energy provided energy efficiency advice to business and residential customers in Texas, resulting in electricity savings sufficient to supply about 2,130 typical US households. Xcel served communities in northern Texas with a customer base near 262,000.

Vermont

Beginning in 2017, Green Mountain Power (GMP) in Vermont supported residential installations of Tesla Powerwall 2.0 battery systems. Utilizing Tesla’s software platform, GMP aggregated a network of 2,000 home batteries in a pilot initiative that decreased system-wide peak demand by 10 MW—comparable to removing around 7,500 homes from the grid during peak periods.

Washington

In southwestern Washington during 2019, Clark Public Utilities offered programs aimed at enhancing home energy efficiency and comfort. Energy advisors helped homeowners evaluate various options.

Clark extended financing opportunities for residential heat pumps, weatherization improvements, rooftop solar installations, and solar water heating systems. Its New Construction programs provided energy efficiency guidance and incentives targeting new home builders as well as manufacturers, retailers, and buyers of manufactured homes.

Wisconsin

In 2019, electricity savings from Xcel Energy's residential and commercial efficiency initiatives in Wisconsin were enough to power roughly 6,460 average US households. Corresponding natural gas savings could supply about 1,050 homes. Xcel collaborated with the statewide program Focus on Energy to offer incentives for cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects across numerous Wisconsin communities that year.

Business model

The Integrated Utility Services framework, introduced by the Rocky Mountain Institute in 2014, focuses on utility-led initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency.

Economics

According to a 2014 report from the Rocky Mountain Institute, created in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, public utilities have the potential to generate profits from residential energy improvements comparable to those earned through conventional electricity and gas sales. For instance, Fort Collins Utilities anticipated that significant sales of energy upgrades could modestly boost total revenue from single-family residences, increasing the revenue share from 8% up to 12%.

Upgrades

Utilities assist homeowners in choosing energy-efficient solutions for both new builds and environmentally friendly retrofits. Upgrades for new homes often involve optimized building orientation and the use of thermal mass walls. The integration of geothermal heat pumps helps lower peak electricity demand, enabling utilities to defer or avoid investments in expensive new power generation facilities.

For existing structures, retrofit measures include improving air sealing, enhancing building insulation, and replacing windows. Utilities also support solar panel installations, either directly on-site or through participation in community solar farms, frequently combined with battery storage systems. Furthermore, deploying home charging infrastructure encourages the uptake of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).

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